Abstract: A cleaning tool for an aftertreatment device including a vacuum attachment port having an exterior end and an interior end, a vacuum extension extending from the interior end of the vacuum attachment port, wherein the vacuum extension has a concave inner surface adapted to engage an end of the aftertreatment device, wherein the concave inner surface of the vacuum extension is adapted to secure the cleaning tool to the end of the aftertreatment device when a vacuum is applied from the exterior end of the vacuum attachment port by having the concave inner surface provide a vacuum sealing engagement with the end of the aftertreatment device when the vacuum is applied from the exterior end of the vacuum attachment port.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working airstream through the suction nozzle, an agitator provided within the suction nozzle, and a sole plate provided on a lower side the suction nozzle, wherein the sole plate comprises a plurality of upwardly curved cross ribs.

Abstract: A grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of animal grooming hand tools, such as a comb-like grooming blade comprising sharp edges, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A tool for a surface treating appliance includes a main body connected to a conduit. The main body includes a first suction channel and a second suction channel in fluid communication with the first suction channel and located between the first suction channel and an outlet from the main body. In use, a relatively low vacuum is generated in the first suction channel which draws a first dirt-bearing fluid flow into the main body, and a relatively high vacuum is generated in the second suction channel, which draws a second dirt-bearing fluid flow into the main body and receives the first dirt-bearing fluid flow from the first suction channel. To maintain the pressure differences between the suction channels, the main body includes flexible surface engaging members located about the suction channels, and between the first suction channel and the second suction channel.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head and a handle connected to the head. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. A conduit is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow towards the appliance. The head includes a first suction opening of the conduit and the handle includes a second suction opening of the conduit. An actuator effects relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head and a handle connected to the head. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. A conduit is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the bristle cover towards the appliance. The head includes a suction opening of the conduit and the handle includes an air bleed into the conduit. An actuator effects relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: A grooming device includes a head and a handle. A first end of the handle is connected to the head, and a second end of the handle is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. The device includes an actuator manually operable by a user to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures. The handle includes a conduit for conveying an air flow from the head to the second end of the handle. Resilient members are provided for returning the head to the stowed configuration automatically when the actuator is released by the user.

Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a head having a bristle carrier and a bristle cover. The bristle carrier includes a plurality of bristles and the bristle cover includes a plurality of apertures. The attachment includes a conduit which is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the bristle cover towards the appliance, a handle connected to the head, and an actuator which is depressible towards the handle to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover between a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover and a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures.

Abstract: A multifunctional nozzle attachment for a portable hand-held lawn blower. The multifunctional nozzle attachment includes a coupler which can be attached to the nozzle of the lawn blower. Various attachments including scrapers, rakes, and brushes are provided for use with the coupler. When attached to the coupler, the attachments may be used to break up debris that does not release from the ground using the air stream alone. Once the debris is broken up, the air stream carries the debris away.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool has a nozzle body with a suction opening and a hose section for connecting the accessory tool with a hose of an external vacuum source. The nozzle body includes a serrated blade that can be used for grooming a domestic animal. The nozzle body further comprises a transparent or semi-transparent tool hood for viewing the area being groomed. The nozzle body is pivotally mounted to the hose section by a rotatable cuff for rotation of the nozzle body relative to the hose section. Adaptors connect the vacuum accessory tool to multiple different size hoses of a variety of vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A debris herding method and apparatus is described comprising a low power air blower and a tilted rotary rake. The air blower acts together with a tilted rotary rake to dislodge and impel the debris. A motor driven chassis transports the blower and the rotary rake across the lawn. The blower and rotary rake can be energetically powered, such as by a solar cell array mounted to the chassis. The present invention is directed to an energetically efficient device for moving debris on a surface, such as leaves on a lawn.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface. The hair collection assembly can be mounted to the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner for movement between a use position in which the hair collection element is in contact with the surface and a second position in which the hair collection element in spaced from the surface. The hair collection element can further be configured to collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and to not collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction. A method of removing hair from a surface is also described.

Abstract: An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vacuum tank with a front-mounted collection means thereunder The collection means is a V-shaped scraper with a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof. The collection means has a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. The suction inlet may be equipped with a snorkel to introduce a small quantity of air as an aid in entraining thick-consistency materials. A blower vac is used to both draw air into and blow air through the vacuum tank. A valve means comprising a pair of oppositely oriented check valves is used to alternate flow paths between a lowered rearward exhaust during collection and an elevated intake during tank discharge.

Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine includes a brush (2) adapted to scrub a floor (4) with a cleaning liquid in view of removing soil and dirt therefrom, and a wiping device (3) adapted to scrape the floor (4) in order to remove the dirty cleaning liquid therefrom. The wiping device (3) includes a front flap (5) and a rear flap (6) adapted to elastically and slidably engage the floor (4) so as to define a suction chamber (7) therebetween, with the suction chamber being fluidly connected with a suction device (8). A further elastic flap (10) is mounted to the wiping device behind the rear flap, and the width of the further flap is smaller than the width of the front and rear flaps (5, 6).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor cleaning machine comprising a brush adapted to scrub the floor with a cleaning, i.e.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, which includes a nozzle body having a contaminants suction port formed on a bottom surface thereof, and a fur-removing member having a fur-removing body rotatably disposed at a side of the contaminants suction port on the nozzle body, a fur-removing portion formed in a plurality of pins vertically to the fur-removing body, and a plurality of rotation cams, wherein when the nozzle body moves in a first direction, the plurality of rotation cams forces the fur-removing body to rotate so that a leading end of the fur-removing portion is spaced apart from a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A suction nozzle and a head of a cleaner having the same includes a suction hole to which a suction force is applied; an air channel formed as a closed region having predetermined area and depth and having the suction hole therein; and scraper longer than an end of an edge of the air channel, positioned in the air channel, and for scraping carpet fibers in cleaning a carpet. Especially when cleaning a carpet, the suction nozzle and the head of a cleaner having the same sufficiently push back carpet fibers to their root portions by the scraper to suck dust and alien substances, so that the carpet can be cleaned more cleanly, a suction path through which external air is introduced is formed in a direction that a cleaning proceeds, and thus dust or alien substances can be effectively removed.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for use in a vacuum cleaner, which can clean a surface to be cleaned having a corner portion where a horizontal surface and a vertical surface meet, such as a staircase, is disclosed. The suction nozzle includes a nozzle body having an air inlet formed in a bottom surface thereof to draw in air, and a brush unit having a liftable brush liftably and lowerably disposed in the nozzle body in front of the air inlet and coming in surface contact with a surface to be cleaned to brush away dirt or dust therefrom.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake, or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support and may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for an electric vacuum cleaner has a body case with a nozzle open toward a surface to be cleaned, a first pipe coupled to the body case so as to be rotatable in the direction, and a second pipe coupled to the first pipe so as to be rotatable in the direction. A first and a second air flow passage, formed inside the first and second pipes respectively, are arranged substantially in a straight line as seen in a side view. The first pipe has a sliding portion that has an arc-shaped cross section and that slides along the inner surface of the body case, and this sliding portion is arranged inside the body case, which is substantially rectangular, as seen in a plan view.

Abstract: A carpet-cleaning brush, particularly for use in cleaning rugs or carpets soiled by the hair of animals kept in the room. The brush has bristles in the form of an angle or arc, a brush body for receiving the bristles, a brush head which is fixed thereto and provided with a handle, and a dust-collector head which preferably contains a suction connection. The brush body is a rubber plate, pierced by the limbs of elastic, U-shaped metal wire bristles which are fixed to the brush body and inclined toward the direction of pull of the brush. The bristles form an angle of 5-15° (&agr;) in relation to an orientation which is perpendicular to the plane of the brush body. The limbs which form part of the U-shaped bristles have a plastic coating or similar, at least on the free, protruding ends.

Abstract: A low-profile and highly-maneuverable vacuum cleaner having improved functionality including, alone or in combination, a headlight, a sidelight, anti-ingestion bars, side brushes, a squeegee, and a scent cartridge for use in cleaning floors, floor coverings, carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. One embodiment includes a tortuous air flow path created by baffles that divert air flow. The tortuous path creates quieter air flow through the vacuum housing. The tortuous air flow arrangement is for cooling the internal parts of a vacuum cleaner. Another embodiment includes an indicator light assembly for the vacuum cleaner visually providing the user with the vacuum's current operation status. In another embodiment, the rear wheels are recessed within the head housing and slightly offset rearwardly of the rear wall of the head housing to provide enhanced maneuverability.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed. The tool includes a vacuum nozzle that is attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening and a grooming device spanning the mouth opening. The grooming device can be a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, comb, rake, brush and dematting tool. The grooming device is positioned relative to the mouth opening such that the air flow created by the vacuum source flows over both sides of the grooming device for more efficient hair removal. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair stuck to a grooming tool is also disclosed. The cleaning tool has a vacuum plenum that can be attached to a vacuum source and has an opening wide enough to enable the user to clean the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support so that the user can accomplish the cleaning action without having to hold the cleaner by hand.

Abstract: A combination dust blowing and swabbing apparatus is provided having a cylindrical housing having an outer surface and a fan exit nozzle and a fan housed within the fan exit nozzle. A fan inlet nozzle formed by and penetrating the outer surface of the housing is positioned also at the same end of the cylindrical housing as said exit nozzle but positioned to allow the fan to be placed between the fan inlet nozzle and the exit nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carpet-cleaning brush, in particular for cleaning rugs or carpets, which have been soiled by the hair of animals kept in the room. Said brush has bristles (3) in the form of an angle of arc, a brush body (2) for receiving said bristles, a brush head (1) which is fixed thereto and provided with a handle, in addition to a dust-collector head (7) which preferably contains a suction connection (72). The invention is characterized in that the brush body (2) is a rubber plate, pierced by the limbs of elastic, U-shaped metal wire bristles (3) which are fixed on an inclined plane in the direction of pull of the brush. Said bristles form an angle of 5-15° (&agr;) in relation to the plane, which is perpendicular to the plane of the brush body. The limbs which form part of the U-shaped bristles (3) are provided with a plastic coating (4) or similar, at least on the free, protruding ends.

Abstract: An electric cleaner head including a first bank of a plurality of spaced apart nozzles each including an interior passage having a narrower width than length slit. Sources of air flow including at least one suction source are connected to spaces between the subnozzles to generate air flow around a lowest edge of the subnozzles between the subnozzles and spaces between the subnozzles wherein the interior passages of the subnozzles are isolated from the suction source.

Abstract: A nit and lice removal system for use with a vacuum cleaner. The removal system has one device, which is adjacent to the vacuum cleaner, having closely spaced teeth that can be drawn through an individuals hair to dislodge nits and lice for suction into the vacuum cleaner. Another device for attachment to a vacuum hose has a flat flexible surface for engaging the skin without discomfort to the user. The latter device is very effective for removing live lice.

Abstract: A carpet vacuum cleaning machine and roller attachment apparatus therefor for cleaning and extracting dirt and debris deep below the surface of carpets. The carpet cleaning machine includes a vacuum head or housing operably connected to a vacuum source and a debris collecting member. The roller attachment apparatus preferably replaces the conventional elongated motor-driven roller brushes commonly used in most vacuum cleaning machines. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced star-shaped spur discs mounted side-by-side for free rotation on an elongated support shaft. As the vacuum cleaning machine is moved across the carpet, the pointed periphery of each disc engages and penetrates into the carpet to separate the carpet fibers to expose dirt below the carpet upper surface thereby allowing more effective vacuum extraction of the dirt.

Abstract: A yard blower is provided which includes a housing mounting a source of high volume pressurized air, a hose fluidly communicating with the housing for directing the pressurized air, a nozzle with a rear end connected with the hose for distributing the pressurized air. The nozzle has a front end with an opening for releasing the pressurized air. The nozzle also has a generally rigid rake formed by a plurality of spaced apart tines projecting from the nozzle allowing the nozzle to agitate yard debris.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly to be used in a floor surface cleaning machine having an elongated squeegee body, a pair of flexible front and rear blades forwardly/backwardly spacedly arranged in parallel relation on the squeegee body, and a blower for applying a sucking function to an interval between the pair of flexible blades so that a dirty liquid gathered by the pair of flexible blades is sucked up from a floor surface for collection, the squeegee assembly being characterized in that a floor contact surface of the flexible front blade in a progressing direction of the cleaning machine is formed in a serrated configuration by continuously arranging generally triangular blade surfaces in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The assembly of the invention comprises a comb externally disposed at one end of a housing member adjacent an air inlet opening for separating fleas from the outer skin of an animal. A specific embodiment comprises a retrofit kit combination for converting a hand-held battery-powered vacuum cleaner into a flea removal assembly. A comb assembly has a structural configuration effective to fit in registered alignment with the air inlet opening of the vacuum cleaner for separating fleas from the outer skin of an animal. The comb may be coupled in a fixed manner or be removably secured to the outer distal end of the housing member adjacent the air inlet opening.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner accessory is provided for use in grooming multiple types of animals and for cleaning fabric and flooring substrates. The accessory comprises a body and a brush attachable thereto. The brush is configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate so that the brush is effective for use on all types of animal coats and fabrics/flooring. The brush comprises a circumferential, downwardly-extending skirt and a plurality of cross-members extending inwardly from sides of said brush and joining together in the interior thereof. The skirt and cross-members have a plurality of downwardly-projecting, spaced teeth wherein the teeth are comprised of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high co-efficient of friction to adhere to loose hair to be suctioned (preferably, a durometer reading of Shore A65) and sufficient strength for said brush to achieve brushing action.

Abstract: A two-component vacuum cleaner accessory for the dual purpose of grooming animals and removing hair and debris from fabric such as that used for upholstery. The body of the accessory has a back and sides and attaches to a circumferential brush which has a skirt and cross-members with downwardly-projecting flexible triangular teeth. Flanges on the brush fit into recesses on the body and serve as handgrips for a user. Pressure drop across the device is controlled by the crosspiece and the design and length of the triangular teeth. The use of soft elastomeric triangular teeth having a high co-efficient of friction provides efficient removal of hair and debris.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment for grooming animals such as cats and dogs has a trap for receiving fleas and other matter carried by animals in their coats. The trap has a hollow body with an inlet connectable to a vacuum head and an outlet connectable to the inlet of a vacuum system. The trap body has a central barrier in the inlet providing an annular air flow inlet between the barrier and the trap body, and a filter screen adjacent the outlet to retain fleas and other matter entering the trap body through the annular air inlet.

Abstract: A cleaner has a power source, a vacuum generator, a waste liquid tank and a wiper-nozzle unit. Liquids and/or contaminants may be removed by slidably moving a wiper on a flat surface to collect a mass of liquid and inserting a small-sized nozzle into the collected liquid to suck it through the nozzle when the interior of the cleaner is drawn into vacuum. Since the small-sized nozzle is located adjacent the wiper, less air will be sucked in by the cleaner when the collected liquid is sucked in by the nozzle. Therefore, the cleaner can be driven by a reduced power and also reduced in size and weight.

Abstract: A scalp scrubber for insertion between the scalp of a human head and an artificial hair piece attached to the scalp along at least a portion of the perimeter of the hair piece. The scrubber includes a handle portion having a free end and a scrubber head portion attached to the opposite end of the handle portion. The head portion, which is wide and flat, also includes a plurality of flexible teeth having rounded exposed tips. The teeth are no longer than approximately 3/16 of an inch, whereby the overall thickness of the scrubber head portion and teeth is no greater than 1/2 of an inch to permit easy insertion of the scrubber head portion between the human head's scalp and the hair piece without disturbing the attachment between the scalp and the hair piece. The handle and scrubber head portions may be provided with ducts to permit the passage of water during the scrubbing and cleansing process to clean the scalp and the hair piece, and warm air during the drying process to dry the scalp and the hair piece.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus having a housing, a vacuum generating system, and a hose. The housing has a small height and a general circular disk shape. A side perimeter of the housing has a hose receiving area that extends around a majority of the housing. The hose is located in the hose receiving area to both house the hose and use the hose as a bumper for the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to provide a maximum vacuuming pressure of only about 10 to 12 inches of water such that animals can be groomed without harming the animals. The vacuum generating system has a variable speed motor such that the motor speed can be adjusted by a user dependent upon the size or type of animal being groomed. The vacuum apparatus also has a noise reduction system including a muffler, an impeller with long fan blades, and multiple air flow path redirections of air traveling through the housing.

Abstract: In a recirculating type cleaner a dust collecting head having a dust collecting port in the bottom thereof is provided, and a nozzle is provided in the dust collecting head. At least a fraction of the after-flow air of a fan is passed through a recirculating tube to the nozzle from which air jet is issued. A contact member is provided in the dust collecting head for contacting carpet piles being cleaned within a portion of the region of the dust collecting port to bend the piles down in the sweeping direction when the cleaner is moved in its sweeping stroke, whereby a gorge is opened in the piles. The nozzle is oriented such that the air jet issued through the nozzle is directed to the bottom of the gorge. Pile bend inverting member is also provided to create the gorge positively by mechanical pushing of the piles just behind the gorge to the reverse direction of the cleaning stroke.

Abstract: A floor nozzle for vacuum cleaners comprises a housing and two suction channels, separated by an intermediate strip, arranged in the bottom plate thereof and extending transversely to the direction of movement the intermediate strip being designed as a rigid plow strip arranged between a front and a rear cleaning edge and acting to open the nap to be cleaned, due to its digging-in effect, toward the front or rear suction channel, depending on the direction of movement.

Abstract: A device connectable to a vacuum source for loosening, gathering and suction removal of pet hair and the like from the pet and for simultaneous gentle pet massage. The device is molded as a single integral unit formed of resilient elastomeric material such as silicone and includes a plurality of spaced flexible conical shaped members downwardly extending from its main body. The lower tips of these conical members define a lower working surface and serve to simulate and gather loose pet hair, dander, skin flakes and the like while simultaneously massaging the pet. This debris is suctioned into an elongated downwardly open suction channel formed partially into a lower surface of, and extending along substantially the entire length of the main body. The suction channel extends downwardly below the lower surface of the main body toward but not to the working surface to establish a clearance gap for enhanced vacuum suctioning of the debris into the suction channel.

Abstract: An improved flexible wiping blade for the vacuum pickup squeegee of a floor scrubbing machine. A series of small protuberances with spaces between them are provided at the lower edge of the blade on its surface that leads when the machine moves backward. At that time the reverse flexing of the blade moves the protuberances under the blade and they hold it off the floor, thus allowing any standing water on the floor to move under the squeegee. They do not interfere with normal flexing of the blade under normal down pressure, and they permit its wiping action to be free of streaks when the scrubbing machine moves forward.

Abstract: This vacuum comb is designed to quickly remove fleas, ticks, other insects, loose hair, and debris from a pet's coat. The device utilizes a housing having spaced apart tines on the front open end for loosening the fleas, ticks, other insects, loose hair and other debris, so as to enable the vacuum produced by the device to pull same into a debris collecting compartment in a removable canister of the device. The housing further includes a motor with a fan blade on its interior for producing the vacuum and an air cooling tube is attached to one end of the motor and extends through the handle grip of the device to a filter, for drawing in atmospheric air to efficiently cool the motor.

Abstract: A pest collection-disposal device includes a means for establishing an air stream in an air duct forming at least a segment of a housing for the device. Positioned in the duct is a disposable pest collection cartridge. The cartridge comprises an elongated body having a flexible closure means and a filter means. The closure means deflects under the influence of an air stream from a closed position to provide an entrance thereto for insects entrained in the air stream. The filter means separates insects from the air stream. Upon termination of air flow, the flexible closure member is restored to an initial position to entrap the pest between the flap and filter means. The duct in one embodiment includes an expandable and retractable array of elongated telescoping members. In a further embodiment, the cartridge is positioned in one of the elongated duct members.

Abstract: A suction nozzle device connected to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning beddings such as blankets. The suction nozzle device includes a nozzle which is coupled through a suction passage to an electric blower of the vacuum cleaner and which has a suction opening at its end portion which is arranged so as to face an object to be cleaned. Also included is a pair of rotatable rollers each of which is cylindrically shaped and has on its outer circumferential surface a plurality of tooth-portions which are radially protruded from said outer circumferential surface. The suction opening thereof is positioned to be interposed between the pair of rotatable rollers. Each of the tooth-portions is elongated by a predetermined length in the directions of the axes of the rotatable rollers. Each of the rotatable rollers is divided into a plurality of sections each of which has a predetermined number of the tooth-portions and is formed so as to have at least a flat portion between the tooth-portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the inside of tanks of various dimensions comprises a vertically disposed hollow tube inside the tank connected at its lower end to a hollow radial tube having a series of apertures horizontally disposed there along and having adjacent said apertures a plurality of scrapers, the apertures for permitting fluid under pressure to be directed against the inside walls and bottom wall of the tank the scrapers for providing a scraping action on the bottom wall of said tank. An aperture on the end of the radial tube permits fluid under pressure to be directed against the inside walls of said tank for facilitating removal of sediment. A source of fluid pressure is connected to the upper end of the vertically disposed tube providing the cleaning pressure for said tank.